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Speech Sound Disorders in Children

What are speech sound disorders in children?

As young children learn language skills, it’s normal for them to have some trouble saying words the right way. That’s part of the learning process. Their speech skills develop over time. They master certain sounds and words at each age. By age 8, most children have learned how to master all word sounds.

But some children have speech sound disorders. This means they have trouble saying certain sounds and words past the expected age. This can make it hard to understand what a child is trying to say.

Articulation disorder is a problem with making certain sounds, such as “sh.”

Phonological process disorder is a pattern of sound mistakes. This includes not pronouncing certain letters.

What causes speech sound disorders in a child?

Often, a speech sound disorder has no known cause. But some speech sound errors may be caused by:

Injury to the brain

Thinking or development disability

Problems with hearing or hearing loss, such as past ear infections

Physical problems that affect speech, such cleft palate or cleft lip

Disorders affecting the nerves involved in speech

Which children are at risk for speech sound disorders?

The cause often is not known, but children at risk for a speech sound disorder include those with:

Developmental disorders such as autism

Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome

Hearing loss

Nervous system disorders such as cerebral palsy

Illnesses such as frequent ear infections

Physical problems such as a cleft lip or palate

What are the symptoms of speech sound disorders in a child?

Your child’s symptoms depend on what type of speech sound disorder your child has. He or she may have trouble forming some word sounds correctly past a certain age. This is called articulation disorder. Your child may drop, add, distort, or swap word sounds. Keep in mind that some sound changes may be part of an accent. They are not speech errors. Signs of this problem can include:

If your child often makes certain word speech mistakes, he or she may have phonological process disorder. The mistakes may be common in young children learning speech skills. But when they last past a certain age, it may be a disorder. Signs of this problem are:

Leaving out a consonant sound (example: “at” or “ba” instead of “bat”)

Changing certain consonant sounds (example: “tat” instead of “cat”)

How are speech sound disorders diagnosed in a child?

First, your child’s healthcare provider will check his or her hearing. This is to make sure that your child isn’t simply hearing words and sounds incorrectly.

If your child’s healthcare provider rules out hearing loss, you may want to talk with a speech-language pathologist. This is a speech expert who evaluates and treats children who are having problems with speech-language and communication.

By watching and listening to your child speak, a speech-language pathologist can determine whether your child has a speech sound disorder. The pathologist will evaluate your child’s speech and language skills. He or she will keep in mind accents and dialect. He or she can also find out if a physical problem in the mouth is affecting your child’s ability to speak.

How are speech sound disorders treated in a child?

The speech-language pathologist can put together a therapy plan to help your child with his or her disorder. These healthcare providers work with children to help them:

Notice and fix sounds that they are making wrong

Learn how to correctly form their problem sound

Practice saying certain words and making certain sounds

The pathologist can also give you activities and strategies to help your child practice at home. If your child has a physical problem in the mouth, the pathologist can refer your child to an ear, nose, throat healthcare provider or orthodontist if needed.

Spotting a speech sound disorder early can help your child overcome any speech problems. He or she can learn how to speak well and comfortably.

How can I help my child live with a speech sound disorder?

You can do things to take care of your child with a speech sound disorder:

Keep all appointments with your child’s healthcare provider.

Talk with your healthcare provider about other providers who will be involved in your child’s care. Your child may get care from a team that may include experts such as speech-language pathologists and counselors. Your child’s care team will depend on your child’s needs and the severity of the speech sound disorder.

Tell others of your child’s disorder. Work with your child’s healthcare provider and schools to develop a treatment plan.

Reach out for support from local community services. Being in touch with other parents who have a child with a speech sound disorder may be helpful.